Most of them were despatched, and the others, throwing down
their guns, had fled wounded into the forest.
Now, shouting in jubilation, some of the men began to drag away the dead
bodies, while others collected the rifles and the remainder, headed by
Jeekie, advanced towards Alan and Aylward, waving their red spears. Alan
stood staring, for he did not in the least understand the meaning of
what had happened, but Aylward, who had turned very pale, addressed
Jeekie, saying:
"I suppose that you have come to murder me also, you black villain."
"No, no, my Lord," answered Jeekie politely, "not at present. Also that
wrong word, execute, not murder, just what you do to some of these poor
devils," and he pointed to the mob of porters. "Besides, mustn't kill
holy white man, poor black chap don't matter, plenty more where he come
from. Think we all go see Miss Barbara now. You come too, my Lord Bart.,
but p'raps best tie your hands behind you first; if you want scratch
head, I do it for you. That only fair, you scratch mine this morning."
Then at a word from Jeekie some of the natives sprang on Aylward and
tied his hands behind his back.
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